TOPIC 3

INTRODUCTION
TO DATABASE
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Norris Hikmi Syed Abdullah
Objectives

• To understand:
• The problems associated with
traditional file-based systems.
• Database (DB) and Database
Management System
• The Advantages of Database

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Introduction

• The database is used in our day-to-day life that often we are not aware we are using
one.
• Two common terminologies used when discussing database:
• Database : a collection of related data
• Database Management System (DBMS) : the software that manages & controls access to the
database
Data Management
BEFORE AFTER
without computer with computer
Database: Review

• Examples of everyday use of simple (non-

electronic) databases:
• Telephone book
• Encyclopedia
• Address book
Traditional File-Based Systems

• An early attempt to computerise the manual filing system.

• Definition:
• Collection of application programs that perform services for the end users (e.g.
reports).
• Each program defines and manages its own data.
• Works well when the number of data is small.
• Simple operations.

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Traditional File-
Based Systems
• Each department accessing their own files through application programs written specially for them.
• Each set of departmental application programs handles data entry, file maintenance, and the generation of specific
reports.
• The physical structure & storage of the data files and records are defined in the application code

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Limitations of Traditional File-Based Systems

Separation and isolation of data Duplication of data Result, a new approach was required:

Each program maintains its own set of data. Same data is held by different programs. Database
Users of one program may be unaware of potentially Wasted space and potentially different values and/or Database Management System (DBMS).
useful data held by other programs. different formats for the same data.
Database Approach
• The limitations of the file-based approach can be attributed to
TWO factors:
• Definition of data was embedded in application programs,
rather than being stored separately and independently.
• No control over access and manipulation of data beyond
that imposed by application programs.

• Result, a new approach is required:

• The database and Database Management System (DBMS).
Overview of DB System

DBMS DB
Database Database
Management
System
Users DB
Applications
The Database

• A collection of interrelated stored data Greater Integration

that serves the needs of multiple users availability of data for
within one or more organisations viz. an to a diverse easier
set of users. access
interrelated collection of many different
types of tables.

Update for Less

complex redundancy
transactions of data.
.
The Database (cont.)

A database is also defined as a self-describing collection of

integrated records

• The description of the data is known as the system catalogue (metadata) to enable
program–data independence.
• The definition of data is separated from the application program.
• The users of an object only see the external definition and unaware of how the object is
defined and how it functioned

Logically related data comprises entities, attributes, and relationships

of an organization’s information.
Database Management System (DBMS)
• A software system that
enable users to define,
create, maintain and Data Definition Language (DDL) Allow to specify data types, structures and constraints on the data.

control access to the Data Manipulation Language (DML) Allow to insert, update, delete and retrieve data.

databases. Structured Query Language (SQL) Standard language for DBMS.

Security System Safeguard DBMS from unauthorized access.

Integrity System Preserve consistency of stored data.

Concurrency Control System Allow shared access of the database.

Recovery Control System Restore database to previous consistent state.

User-accessible Catalog Provide description of data stored in the database.

 DBMS (cont.)

• Data definition language (DDL).

• Permits specification of data types, structures and any data constraints.
• All specifications are stored in the database.

• Data manipulation language (DML).

• General enquiry facility (query language) of the data.
• Using Structured Query Language (SQL) to produce required information.-
 DBMS (cont.)

• Data definition language (DDL).

• Permits specification of data types, structures and any data constraints.
• All specifications are stored in the database.

• Data manipulation language (DML).

• General enquiry facility (query language) of the data.
• Using Structured Query Language (SQL) to produce required information.-
 Database Application Program

• Database Application Program:

• A computer program that interacts with the database by issuing an
appropriate request (typically an SQL statement) to the DBMS.
• Users interact with the database through a number of application programs
(used to create & maintain the database & to generate information) written
in some programming language
• The physical structure & storage of the data are now managed by the
DBMS
• A view mechanism
• Provides users with only the data they want or need to use.
 Database
Database
Application
A pplication
Programs
Program (cont.)

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 Database Application Program (cont.)

• Figure shows each department using their application programs to

access the database through the DBMS.
• Each set of departmental application programs handles data entry, file
maintenance, and the generation of a fixed set of specific reports.
• The physical structure & storage of the data are now managed by the DBMS

• A view mechanism.
• Provides users with only the data they want or need to use.
Components of DBMS Environment
 Components of DBMS Environment (cont.)

• Hardware
• Can range from a PC to a network of computers.
• Software
• DBMS, operating system, network software (if necessary) and also the application
programs.
• Data
• Used by the organization and a description of this data called the schema.
• Procedures
• Instructions and rules that should be applied to the design and use of the database
and DBMS.
• People
SUMMARY •
Limitation of File Based Approach :
Separation and isolation of data
• Duplication of data
File-based Approach • Data dependence
• Incompatible file formats
• Fixed Queries of application programs

Advantages of Database Approach :

•Control of data redundancy
•Data consistency
•More information from the same Database Approach
amount of data
•Sharing of data
•Improved data integrity & security
•Improved data accessibility and
responsiveness
•Increased productivity
•Improved maintenance through data
independence
•Increased concurrency
•Improved backup and recovery services
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